Monash University Professor Steven Chown has been awarded the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research's (SCAR) 2014 Medal for Excellence in Antarctic Research.

SCAR, an inter-disciplinary international science body, initiates, develops and coordinates high quality international scientific research in the Antarctic region, and on the role of the Antarctic region in the Earth system. The organisation also provides scientific advice about Antarctica to the Antarctic Treaty System, responsible for governing the region.

The medal is open internationally to all areas of research in or about the Antarctic.

Professor Chown, School of Biological Sciences, received the medal in recognition of the profound impact his research has had. Over the past 20 years his work has provided considerable insight into the effects of climate change and biological invasions on Antarctic species and ecosystems. His work has also revealed previously unknown patterns in the diversity of life in the region.

Professor Chown has taken much of this research into the policy environment, helping to ensure better conservation of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, through changes to regulation of the region. In 2009 he was awarded the inaugural Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica.

"It reflects not only my achievements, but those of a suite of students and collaborators, and the people that make research possible both at home and in the remote regions of the Antarctic and its surrounding islands."

"I would like to single out Monash University particularly for its support."

The medal will be awarded at the SCAR Open Science Conference to be held in Auckland, New Zealand in August.

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